MIGHTY MAGPIES DELIVER KO BLOW
MAIDENHEAD landed the knockout blow to win the National League South title – and then headed to Wembley to watch Anthony Joshua take on Wladimir Klitschko.
Midfielder James Mulley is a childhood friend of the British boxer and the big fight was the perfect place to toast their success.
They finished a remarkable season in style with two goals from Harry Pritchard and one from Jack Parkinson to be crowned champions with 98 points.
“I’m so pleased for everyone, it’s been a fantastic journey,” said boss Alan Devonshire. “It’s down to all the staff and the players. I’m delighted for everyone.
“All the fans came out, there must have been 500 here today all this way to Margate, and to get the result we wanted is great. I just hope everyone comes to see us next year in the National League.”
If Devonshire wasn’t already a legend in Maidenhead, the boss has secured his legacy now.
The former West Ham and England player enjoyed plenty of success with the Magpies in his first spell and now he’s taken them into NonLeague’s top flight in his second. And they say never go back.
With half an hour left the Maidenhead fans, well watered and in fancy dress, began their victory lap with a conga around the ground featuring Fred Flinstone, Where’s Wally and led by Del Boy.
Last week’s defeat to second-placed Ebbsfleet meant the title came down to the final day. News of Fleet’s early goal soon filtered through but it seemed a case of when Maidenhead got the breakthrough rather than if.
It came on 14 minutes when Pritchard bent a low free-kick into the bottom corner.
Relegated Margate haven’t managed a goal against anyone in the top five and two goals in seven second-half minutes wrapped it up.
National League South player of the year Dave Tarpey, who had just been denied his 44th of the season when Ben Swift cleared off the line, shot on the turn and Parkinson diverted in.
Then Pritchard’s shot whizzed through a crowd and found its way in. While there was some debate about the final touch, striker Sean Marks, who was on the scene, was happy to give it to the wideman.